Tom Schmidt has just graduated as valedictorian of the 1916 Veterinary Class from Iowa State College. His summer plans of relaxation are ended when Dean Charles Stange suggests his summer would be better spent helping an injured veterinarian in a small Iowa town. Tom's interactions with the veterinarian's family, the farmers, their animals, the inhabitants of a strict German commune and a beautiful young school teacher lead to adventure, comedic encounters and finally, romance. All this adds up to a delightful and entertaining story about "The Summer of Doctor Tom".